Important as they are, health insurance terms are no less befuddling for the potential investors. In fact, with more and more health insurance options cropping up on a fairly daily basis, people tend to be more riddled about which is the most appropriate scheme. Accompanying any policy is the terms and conditions which are designed ingeniously. Consequently, laymen may find it extremely difficult in understanding health insurance terms.
Apart from these, a purely technical indulgence kind of petrifies the policyholder. Consequently, one is bound to misinterpret the possibilities. Therefore, it is imperative to educate the policyholder regarding understanding health insurance terms, common and otherwise.
Premium
Premium is the amount of coverage the policyholder shells out each month or year in order to avail the particular health insurance scheme. The premium policy varies from one company to another.
Deductible
Generally speaking, the amount a policyholder needs to pay before the coverage officially takes effect. Also, it is important to keep in mind that deductible and premium are inversely proportional to each other.
Co-Insurance
Co-insurance is essentially defined as the amount of money the concerned policyholder owes to the medical provider after the deductible has been cleared. So far as health insurance schemes are concerned, co-insurance is one of the most fundamental terms associated. Broadly speaking, it is calculated as a certain percentage of the overall amount of the bill.
Co-Pay
As the name suggests, the term is congruent with co-insurance. However, the basic distinction between the two terms lies in the fact that the former must be cleared at the time of service. Essentially, the amount of co-pay does not count on the payment of the deductible.
Waiting Period
One of the most common terms one encounters across health insurance schemes is the waiting period. Essentially, waiting period is the time given to policyholders before finalizing a plan. Usually, the waiting period is ninety days across insurance outlets. Basically, the waiting period is aimed at preparing the customer for or against the concerned health insurance scheme.
Enrollment Period
It is defined as the time specified during which the concerned policyholder may apply or modify a scheme in order for the inclusion of one’s family members. Indeed, a majority of policyholders need an enrollment period in order to accustom their respective plans with major life changes such as marriage, birth and divorce.
Dual Coverage
Defined as the act of availing of more than one insurer, dual coverage is a key term in health insurance. Broadly speaking, dual coverage is generally availed by married couples. However, single individuals may also avail of coverage from more than one insurer at the same time.
Pre Existing Condition
Fundamentally, the term is associated with any kind of pre-existing ailment during the application for a health insurance scheme. Essentially, the concerned policyholder must divulge his or her current symptomatic conditions, if any. It is important to keep in mind that in certain cases, the premium tends to increase, thanks to a pre-existing condition.
Continuation of Coverage
As the name amply hints, it is defined as the extension of coverage provided to policyholders no longer covered under the concerned health insurance plan. Broadly speaking, the beneficiaries of such extensions include the likes of former employees or retirees.
Group Coverage
Apart from individual coverage, group coverage is essentially defined as one which does not require the concerned policyholder to clear the entire premium. In the case of group coverage, plans and premiums are clearly differentiated between the institution and the policyholders. Generally speaking, group coverage policyholders are essentially not denied the coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Employer-Sponsored Coverage
Fundamentally speaking, employer-sponsored coverage is one where concerned employers shell out over fifty percent of the monthly premiums. Apart from that, such schemes may also require the employers to cover the monetary interests of the respective employee dependents.
Short-Term Coverage
Broadly defined as a design for individuals yet to be insured, the short-term coverage plans are generally hailed as one of the most economical health insurance aspects. Consequently, the short-term coverage policy is one of the most sought-after schemes, thanks to its immense economic advantage. However, the provisions are not without limitations.